Opinion I When Governors Become Emperors

WHEN GOVERNORS BECOME EMPERORS

       

I had almost gone to bed on the eve of 2016 Christmas when a phone call filtered in from Germany, to engage me in an informal chat as usual. The caller, who happened to be my old-time friend, actually called to express his bitterness over what he observed on the television regarding one of the Nigeria’s governors.

       

According to the buddy, Kunle, he had on that very day watched a governor of one of the states in the Southern Nigeria commissioning a Christmas tree worth over half a billion naira whilst the leader in question was reportedly owing workers and pensioners in the state for several months. I laughed in French and therein told him that such show of shame had become common among most serving governors, hence the need for him to get use to the aberration.

        

I wish Mr. Kunle would someday meet with my dad whom I often refer to as a political philosopher. The old man – a well experienced octogenarian – one day informed me unequivocally that some states across the country were suffering from economic epilepsy, thus needed to undergo holistic lobotomy. His seeming candid view was informed by the way and manner in which some sitting governors invariably act as if they are not accountable to anyone.

        

To assert that currently some governors operate not unlike an emperor isn’t in any way an overstatement, and such weird custom is not peculiar to a particular state or region in the country. It suffices to say that virtually all the governors have, in one way or the other, been found guilty of such bilious and nonchalant lifestyle.

        

For clarity’s sake, an emperor is a man who solely rules a certain empire. An empire, on its part, could be described as a society of people that is being controlled by only one person. In summary, an emperor is a person, male individual precisely, who singlehanded controls the day-to-day activity of a particular society and stands not to be questioned by anyone whenever he errs.

      

With the above definitions, it has become clearer that truly most of our so-called leaders are presently operating like emperors in their respective jurisdictions. Take for instance, a situation where a governor would refuse to conduct the Local Government (LG) election in his state and such scenario would linger till he leaves office. In most cases, he would put up a façade in the name of an election towards the expiration of his tenure, perhaps to prove to people that LG polls were eventually conducted under his watch.

        

Why wouldn’t such governor be rated as an emperor when every other official in the affected state such as the legislators cum judicial custodians would remain a rubber stamp as the unfortunate scene prevails? Funnily enough, when a court orders the governor to without much ado conduct the long awaited LG polls, he would rather regard such legal directive as baseless.

        

On a monthly basis, the Federal Government (FG) would release funds accruable to the third tier governments via the various states. In the process, the said allocation would be hijacked by the governors and such funds would never be utilized on the projects for which they are meant. Instead, they would be channeled toward the implementation of non-feasible projects.

       

The judicial system in the states suffering from such unruly behaviour is vulnerable, to assert the least. I have often times witnessed a situation whereby an injunction is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction to stop a governor from taking a certain intended action, yet the latter would overlook the order with the notion that he alone is in charge of the state.

       

The vulnerability of the lawmakers in such states cannot be left out. Rather than act as independent elected officials, the legislators would be reduced to mere aides of the governor thus would be left with no choice than to operate as they were instructed by the latter. It’s indeed a pathetic circumstance. What is left for this set of governors is to fence their states in order to possess it as their personal asset.

       

As the uncalled ill lingers unabated, it’s noteworthy that the FG has a very vital role to play with a view to addressing it. There is a compelling need to, by law, scrap the various states’ electoral commissions. By so doing, the conduct of the LG elections would become the sole duty of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This signifies that it would no longer be the responsibility of the governors to determine when and how the said polls would be held in their respective states.

        

In the same vein, it’s high time the electorate woke up from slumber. They need to fully acknowledge that they possess the constitutional immunity to recall any lawmaker who is not living up to the expectations. Similarly, they needn’t be reminded that it’s equally their right to say enough is enough whenever the impunity of their governor goes to extreme point.

       

All in all, we must bear in mind at all times that he is an elected governor, not an emperor. Think about it!

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

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ShortStory I Golden Chance (II)

GOLDEN CHANCE (II)

       “You have not still answered my question.” Jessy hesitantly uttered as she fixed her gaze on Dan’s.

         Dan was rather speechless, seemed lifeless as he sat directly opposite her not unlike a job seeker.

         At this juncture, they were still the only guests at the bar, Dragon-Top. It was moment of confession; it was the ripe time for him to disclose his prime intention; the period to state clearly in strong terms the reason he left his initial position for hers. And, she conspicuously could not wait to grab the note. Though she had already read the atmosphere, courtesy unarguably demanded that when you walked up to someone – especially a stranger – you ought not to hesitate in disclosing the mission for your abrupt visit. Since there was no practical invite, his presence before her at the moment remained embarrassing till the object of the August visit was revealed.

        “I am all ears, Mister Dan.” Jessy reminded.

        “My dear,” he stated. “It’s a long story.”

          Sure, the dude did not belong to the bracket of men who knew too well how to approach ladies let alone a cutely looking and classy one like Lady Jessy.

         “Long story?” she verified. “You mean, you have come to tell me a long story?”

         “On the contrary,” quoth Dan. “I have come to tell you that, that…” he stammered, paused.

         She was silent, became attentive as she got fascinated over the mode of approach deployed by him. Sure, she needn’t be told that he was naïve. Such attitude of his triggered her interest more.

        “… That I have been your secret admirer for three weeks now.”

          Jessy smiled stylishly. “Congratulations, Mister Dan.” She enthused, clapping.

          He was amazed, though became confused over the unforeseen gesture.

         “So, Mister Dan,” she continued, sipped her drink via the straw. “Why are you admiring Missus Jessy?”

        “Missus Jessy..?” he echoed, became flabbergasted. “Did I hear you right?”

        “I am sure you did.” quoth Jessy. “Or, didn’t you?”

        “Do you mean, you are married?” he verified, pointing at her with his right hand.

         She dished out a dazzling smile. “Would you like to see my husband?”

        “So, how come you are not putting on your ring?”

        “Is that necessary?” she said. “Does it really matter?”

        “Of course,” he replied. “Or isn’t it?’

        “I don’t think it is, my dear.” she argued. “Faithfulness is a thing of the heart.”

         On hearing the last clause, Dan felt like strangulating himself right before her as he tightly fixed his gaze on hers. To him, he had all along wasted a whole three weeks, thinking he was up to something beneficial, forgetting that ‘not all that glitters is gold’. His mind was at the time preoccupied with mixed feelings, all sorts of weird thoughts, or what have you. He was apparently trapped to the ground.

         What could he do now? Since it seemed he had ab initio embarked on a fruitless mission, he had no other choice than to manage lifting his ‘useless’ body towards returning to his original position there in Dragon-Top, or better still consider leaving the bar for else locality where he would be more sober.

          Right now, which was almost 6:00 pm, more guests had arrived Dragon-Top, hence the arena was gradually becoming rowdy and hot as usual. Against this backdrop, another person had occupied Dan’s initial position.

          Few seconds later, the 36-year-old Dan stood up and attempted to take his leave. “Well, thank you for your time.” he managed to utter.

        “You are welcome.” Jessy replied frankly, sipped her drink for the umpteenth time.

         He turned and sluggishly took a step forward, fixing his gaze on the exit point of the bar, or probably where his white Honda Accord car was parked.

         His intention was to leave the joint for home, or somewhere else he could reexamine himself with a view to knowing what to do with his ostensible miserable life.

       “Mister Dan.” Jessy called tenderly as he left her table.

         He quickly but majestically applied his brakes, calmly twisted his neck but never uttered a word.

        “Please, come.” She urged politely.

         Dan calmly walked back to her, but didn’t bother to resume his seat as he stared at her in silent awe.     

        “Please, can you sit down?” She enjoined, gesticulating.

          He complied like one who was being controlled with a remote, remained mute.

         “I can see, you are hurt.” Jessy observed. “Please, I didn’t mean to.” she added, paused. “I am sorry.”

          Dan became more bemused, couldn’t fathom the scenario as he sat loosely on the chair.

         “I want to make a confession.”

         “Confession..?” he eventually uttered.

         “Yes.” She said, nodding.

         “For what?”

         “I have also been attracted to you.” She revealed hesitantly.

           The dude was surprised to receive such strong and mind-blowing words from a woman he had all along seen as a goddess that deserved to be worshipped. “How?” he verified in a jiffy.

          “I have been your secret admirer from the first day I sighted you.” Jessy categorically clarified. “I noticed you the very first time I walked in here.” she supplemented. “I actually came to chill myself on that day but the acknowledgement of you made me kept coming afterwards.”

          “Serious?”

          “The truth was that, Jessy had from the outset been watching Dan’s back. Though she didn’t come to Dragon-Top for the first time because of Dan, her first visit to the famous outlet disclosed the dude’s existence. From that moment, she became a secret admirer. What actually prompted the admiration was owing to the fact that the dude happened to be seated alone throughout that fateful Saturday she patronized the bar. Being a lonely lady, she thought getting acquainted with him would go a long way in addressing the dreaded disease known as ‘loneliness’, which she was currently suffering from.

          She made enquiries and got to know that he usually came to the joint on weekends. So, being a banker, Saturday evenings cum Sundays were often her free time, thus she chose to always visit Dragon-Top every Saturday with the purpose of working out strategy on how to get him attracted to her, not knowing that he equally got attracted to her on that first day.

         “But you said, you are married?’ Dan inquired. “Or, could it be I didn’t hear you well?”

        “Never mind.” responded Jessy. “I was just pulling your legs.”

          He smiled, though still engulfed in the overwhelming astonishment occasioned by the unimagined confession.

          Therein, they became friends. Weeks on, the friendship metamorphosed into intimacy. Barely five months on, Dan led the pretty Jessy down the aisle.

         The rest is history, please.

 

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador  

  

              

Opinion I As They Assume Duties, What Next?

AS THEY ASSUME DUTIES, WHAT NEXT?

        

The last time I checked, the  twenty-eight Commissioner nominees that were successfully screened by the Imo legislators recently as tradition demanded had been sworn in by the state’s governor Chief Rochas Okorocha and therein assigned to various ministries to super-head their affairs. It’s noteworthy that the appointed twenty-seven Transition Committee (TC) chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state were equally inaugurated.

        

It would be recalled that in June this year, the governor relieved virtually all his cabinet members of their duties; an action that affected the then serving commissioners in each of the existing ministries in the Eastern Heartland. It suffices to say that since the aforementioned month till Monday, 4^th December 2017 when the swearing-in ceremony took place, the various ministries had been lacking commissioners to pilot their respective day-to-day activities.

        

Considering the above paragraph, it’s needless to reiterate that the event that eventually ushered in the new commissioners was conspicuously long overdue. In other words, every rational and sane Imolite or a true friend of the state could not wait to embrace such an epochal moment.

       

Before discussing what truly informed this piece, I would like to take a slight look at some fascinating things that happened at the said occasion, which held at the Imo International Convention Centre (IICC). At the venue, before the distinguished guests, Governor Okorocha rightly disclosed that some of the ministries would be relocated to other parts of the state. This is arguably a welcome development to the best of my knowledge.

        

I was, to say the least, so delighted when the governor made the pronouncement. I had prior to the ceremony, for the umpteenth time, analyzed on the need to decentralize some of the existing ministries in the state just as it is seen in states like Lagos among others. Among several benefits that await such remarkable measure, decentralization of various ministries leads to drastic societal uplift as well as tremendously helps to cushion the ongoing excruciating effects of rural-urban migration.

       

This implies that I cannot wait to see the governor implementing such lofty initiative, even though the affected workers wouldn’t be pleased with the idea. After actualizing the relocation through the use of the executive immunity, I employ the governor to ensure that the approach is sold to the lawmakers to enable them deliberate on it via a bill towards making it a project that would stand the test of time.

         

However, another intriguing factor that emerged on that fateful day was the assignment of a portfolio to a former aide of the governor who never participated in the screening exercise conducted by the revered legislators. A woman whose name was never mentioned as one of the commissioner nominees was decorated as the ‘Supervisory’ Commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment, which later was rebranded ‘Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment’.

        

One may even ask; what is really the essence of such portfolio? What other happiness or fulfillment does Imolites require if the commissioners assigned to the already existing ministries carry out their duties effectively and efficiently, or are not found wanting in the long run? The funniest part was that the newest ministry was renamed just a few hours after the inauguration ceremony.

       

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that this critique is mainly necessitated by the need for the newly inaugurated commissioners, TC-chairmen cum members coupled with the concerned expanded EXCO officials to comprehend what next is expected of their persons as they assume duties.

         

As they have eventually climbed the mantle of leadership, they need not to be told that this is simply a clarion call; a call to serve; a call for stewardship; a call to assist in building the state. It is obvious that some of these appointees aren’t just assuming duties but resuming; needless to state that they have been in the system from the outset. Whether you are assuming or resuming, the consignment is designed for you to see yourself as a steward and not an emperor.

        

Similarly, these appointees shouldn’t be reminded that completion of the numerous projects across the state initiated by the Rescue Mission Administration now lies in their court. The governor made it clear on the day of the swearing-in that the reason he ensured that each LGA in the state got a commissioner slot was the need for the said appointees to see that the ongoing projects in their respective councils are duly completed. Hence, there is no need reiterating that we shall hold them responsible if the projects in their various LGAs failed. Most importantly, they must note that to actualize this, team work mustn’t be taken for granted.

       

Inter alia, the appointees must take into cognizance the indisputable role of time management. They need to be ready to manage their time aptly. Some of them may decide to be in the office at 11:00 am or even anytime beyond; such a mentality is very bad and unethical. A good leader ought to be the first to be present at his/her working place or venue for a proposed meeting.

       

They must also be conscious of how they entertain their guests while in the office. Some guests may want to spend several hours in the office of a commissioner or TC-chairman, as the case may be; such way of life is uncalled for in a formal setting, thus unacceptable. The bosses are required to make their respective guests understand that they are working with time and that other visitors are waiting, hence the need to be brief and succinct.

         

I can’t round off this piece without letting the appointees acknowledge that they represent the governor in their respective jurisdictions, thus mustn’t relent to advise, inform the number-one citizen on what should be done in the areas they are super-heading.

       

All in all, the TC-chairmen ought to in their capacities remind the governor the compelling need to conduct the long awaited LG polls. In view of this, they must see themselves as apostles of truth. Think about it!   

 

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador